As the founder of BlackSportsOnline, I have covered numerous intersections of sports and entertainment. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Sony Pictures Animation studios in Los Angeles for an in-depth, behind-the-scenes tour of GOAT, the upcoming animated action-comedy executive produced by NBA champion Stephen Curry. This film, set for theatrical release on February 13, 2026, integrates high-stakes sports elements with an engaging narrative in an anthropomorphic world, offering insights into perseverance and athleticism.
The visit provided a comprehensive overview of the production process, from animation techniques to audio engineering. Sony Pictures Animation, renowned for innovative projects such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, employs advanced digital tools to create vivid, dynamic visuals. Observers witnessed animators refining 3D models and applying effects to ensure fluid character movements, particularly in the film’s roarball sequences—a basketball-inspired, full-contact sport adapted for an animal cast.
Storyboarding sessions revealed detailed panels outlining the narrative structure, allowing for iterative refinements in pacing and composition. Audio production involved layering dialogue, sound effects, and scores in specialized booths to enhance immersion. Character designs, equivalent to costumes in live-action, were meticulously developed to reflect individual personalities and the demands of roarball, with custom jerseys and gear tailored to each species.
A key emphasis was placed on the authenticity of the basketball-inspired elements. To achieve realistic roarball plays, the production team consulted former Golden State Warriors forward and 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala. His expertise informed strategic aspects such as pick-and-rolls and defensive maneuvers, adapted for the film’s exaggerated style. Iguodala also lends his voice to Iggy, the zebra referee, further bridging professional sports with animation.
Publicly available story details center on Will Harris, a diminutive goat voiced by Caleb McLaughlin, who pursues a career in professional roarball despite skepticism from larger competitors. The narrative explores themes of determination and innovation in a co-ed, high-intensity environment, without disclosing plot specifics.
Without spoilers, the plot follows Will Harris, a small goat aspiring to excel in roarball amidst a league of formidable opponents. It delves into motifs of perseverance, teamwork, and overcoming physical limitations, drawing parallels to real-world athletic journeys like Curry’s rise in the NBA.
The voice ensemble includes notable performers such as Gabrielle Union, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Patton Oswalt, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Eduardo Franco, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll, and Jennifer Hudson, contributing depth and humor.
Directed by Tyree Dillihay and co-directed by Adam Rosette, with a script by Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley, GOAT represents a collaboration between Curry’s Unanimous Media and industry veterans, positioning it as a potential standout in animated sports cinema.
